U.S. VS. MEXICOMatch more than a scoreBradley laying future foundation for U.S. squad

BERNARDO FALLAS, Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle |
February 5, 2008

Dynamo fans got a pleasant surprise when reserve midfielder Stuart Holden, 22, got his first senior call-up to join teammates Ricardo Clark, Brad Davis and Eddie Robinson, all of whom have only limited national team experience.

U.S. men's national soccer team coach Bob Bradley stood cross-armed and alone, observing his team finish practice Monday as evening fell on Robertson Stadium.

A man of few words, Bradley said little, raising his voice only to give short instructions every once in a while as his men prepared for Wednesday's friendly against nemesis Mexico at Reliant Stadium.

Bradley's worries these days go beyond readying for a showdown between the region's biggest soccer powers. Keeping an eight-year unbeaten streak on home soil against El Tri might look like chump change when considering the long-term goal, the bigger picture. And take into account that Mexico is always a big deal for any U.S. coach, player and fan.

But there he was, calmly keeping an eye on things. And with good reason. The former college and MLS coach has lots of observing and calculating to do as he plots the best possible route to South Africa in 2010 and lays the groundwork for a new crop of talent to succeed beyond that.

The Americans don't begin World Cup qualifiers until June, but Bradley has a year's worth of work under his belt as chief architect of a new cycle for U.S. soccer.

The 27-year coaching veteran is enjoying a 13-5-1 record and has led the Americans to a CONCACAF Gold Cup title, which in turn has yielded a spot in the prestigious Confederations Cup in 2009. To top it off, he is 2-0 against Hugo Sánchez's Mexico team to boost the U.S.'s unbeaten home streak against El Tri to 8-0-1 since 2000.

"We have a good feeling about what took place in 2007," said Bradley, 49. "There were good indications that we're going in the right direction."

Great expectations

Making it to 2010 might not seem like much, considering the U.S. men have reached every World Cup since 1990, an accomplishment in itself for any non-traditional power, especially one that went 40 years without qualifying for soccer's showcase event.

The question no longer seems to be whether the United States will reach a World Cup, but how well it will fare in it.

To that end, Bradley, known for his eye for talent, has made it a priority to immerse the best of the next generation in all aspects of the senior team.

"Throughout the last year we tried to find a balance where there are certain players that are important to our team and where we put some of the younger players into the games," Bradley said. "I think if you look at the roster for this game we will have again the challenge of figuring out how to do these things."

Eight of the 22 players on the roster are 23 years old or younger. They are getting to rub shoulders with a core of veterans, some of whom have played in two World Cups. That's important, Bradley says.

"It's the natural evolution of soccer," said Tim Howard, who has replaced Kasey Keller in goal for the United States. "The older players go and the younger guys have to come up and prove themselves."

Throwing inexperienced players into the fray brought Bradley mixed success last year, statistically speaking. After fielding a balanced mix of youth and experience for the Gold Cup, Bradley took a younger group to Venezuela for Copa America, where the United States lost all three group games for an early departure.

Earning their stripes

But many have responded in subsequent friendlies, and the experiences provided players such as Clark and Benny Feilhaber (Derby County, England) and others in the current group with additional exposure.

It's one of the reasons — alongside the stakes — that make the match the ultimate chance to provide developing players with a taste of the Big Time.

"Both the U.S. and Mexico are fortunate to have some very talented players," Bradley said."To move them along you want to give them opportunities to play in front of big crowds, to play big games, which is important for their development."